Radio Communications

RMBOA Club Radio Channel

The RMBOA uses UHF CB Channel 24 as its primary club channel. Please note that although the RMBOA has selected this channel, it is still a public radio channel and others are entitled to use this channel.

During the River Ramble and Mini-Ambles, Channel 24 is used as the fleet channel. This means that it is used to pass messages to the whole fleet. To ensure that the channel is available when needed, fleet vessels wishing to have a personal conversation should make initial contact on Channel 24 and then change to a mutually agreed channel for their conversation. After the completion of the conversation, they will change back to Channel 24 to monitor announcements to the fleet.

Emergency Radio Channels

Various radio channels are set aside for emergency use. Theses channels depend on the frequency band that your vessel's radio uses. It is important to know the appropriate channel and, if possible, have it programmed into the radio for quick selection.

Radio Type	Emergency Channel	Notes
27 MHz CB	Channel 9
UHF CB	Main Channel: 5 Supplementary Channel: 40	Channel 5 is a repeater and duplex operation should be used. Channel 40 is the truckie channel and usually has people listening.
27MHz Marine	Main: Channel 88 Supplementary: Channel 86	Do not use SSB on channel 88.
VHF Marine	Main: Channel 16 Supplementary: Channel 67
HF & MF	Main: 2.182 MHz, 4.125 MHz, 6.125 MHz, 8.291 MHz Supplementary: 12.290MHz, 16.240 MHz

Handling Idiot Radio Users

Because the radio bands are open to almost anyone, there are sometimes idiots who get their kicks from interrupting your conversations with noises, music, or even obscenities. This can be especially true on the radio repeaters in the townships.

If this should happen, do not attempt to tell them they are idiots or that you are going to report them to the police or whatever. This is simply feeding their peculiar egos and they know that the probability of apprehension is nearly zero.

The more annoyed they perceive you are getting, the longer and more vigorously they will persist. The best thing is to totally ignore them and change to another channel if necessary.